Armor carrier and method

ABSTRACT

An armor apparatus is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the armor apparatus is in the form of a vest or carrier including, in several exemplary embodiments, one or more armor plates.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates in general to armor, and in particular to an armor apparatus in the form of, for example, a vest or carrier including, in several exemplary embodiments, one or more armor plates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier according to an exemplary embodiment, the carrier being in a configuration and including a front assembly, a back assembly, a right side assembly, a left side assembly, and a cord, according to respective exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the carrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the front assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the front assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment, with a portion of the front assembly cut away to depict the interior thereof.

FIG. 3C is a partially exploded view of the front assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the back assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment, with a portion of the back assembly cut away to depict the interior thereof.

FIG. 4B is an elevational view of the back assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4C is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the back assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4D is a view similar to that of FIG. 4C but depicting the portion in another operational mode, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4E is another enlarged perspective view of the portion of the back assembly shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D.

FIG. 4F is a partially exploded view of the back assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the left side assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B is an elevational view of a portion of the left side assembly of FIG. 5A, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6A is another perspective view of the carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an assembled condition, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6B is an elevational view of the carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the assembled condition of FIG. 6A, according to an exemplary embodiment, the carrier including at least two anti-sag straps, and at least two flaps, according to respective exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 6C is a view similar to that of FIG. 6B, but depicting the two flaps removably coupled to one another, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2 in another configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6B, but depicting one of the anti-sag straps in another configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an armor plate of the back assembly of the carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an armor plate and a plate insert of the back assembly of the carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to respective exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10A is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, but depicting the carrier in another operational mode, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 10B and 10C are elevational views of the carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2, but depicting the carrier in different operational modes, according to respective exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10D is a view similar to that of FIG. 10A, but depicting the carrier in yet another operational mode, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a side pouch assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the side pouch assembly of FIG. 11 removably coupled to the left side assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a carrier according to another exemplary embodiment, the carrier including a front assembly, a back assembly, a right side assembly, a left side assembly, and a cord, according to respective exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the carrier of FIG. 13 in an assembled condition, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an armor apparatus, in the form of a vest or carrier, is generally referred to by the reference numeral 10 and includes a front assembly 12, a back assembly 14, a left side assembly 16, a right side assembly 18, and cord 19. The front assembly 12 is removably coupled to each of the side assemblies 16 and 18, which, in turn, are each removably coupled to the back assembly 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the cord 19 includes opposing end portions 19 a and 19 b, a middle portion 19 c extending between the end portions 19 a and 19 b, and a loop 19 d formed at the end portion 19 a. In several exemplary embodiments, an operator wears the carrier 10 as a vest, with the front assembly 12 covering at least a portion of the operator's chest, the back assembly 14 covering at least a portion of the operator's back, the left side assembly 16 covering at least a portion of the operator's left side, and the right side assembly 18 covering at least a portion of the operator's right side, thereby providing armor protection to the operator, as will be described detail below.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the front assembly 12 defines an exterior side 20 and a body, or interior, side 22, and includes a jacket 24, an upwardly-extending flap 26 coupled to the jacket 24 on the exterior side 20, and a pair of downwardly-extending flaps 28 a and 28 b coupled to the jacket 24 on the exterior side 20. The flap 26 defines a surface 26 a, and a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 26 b, is coupled to the distal end portion of the surface 26 a. The flaps 28 a and 28 b define surfaces 28 aa and 28 ba, respectively, to which respective fastening elements, such as respective Velcro hook elements 28 ab and 28 bb, are coupled. Snap-buckle elements 30 a and 30 b are coupled to the jacket 24 on the exterior side 20. A fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 32, is coupled to the upper portion of the jacket 24 on the exterior side 20. Fastening elements, such as Velcro loop elements 34 a and 34 b, are coupled to the lower half of the jacket 24 on the exterior side 20. The hook element 26 b is adapted to be removably coupled to the loop element 32 to thereby removably couple the flap 26 to the jacket 24 and cover at least respective portions of the snap-buckle elements 30 a and 30 b, under conditions to be described below. A top flap 35 is coupled to the jacket 24, and includes pull tabs 35 a and 35 b, and a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 35 c, coupled to a surface 35 d. The hook element 35 c is adapted to be removably coupled to a fastener, such as a Velcro loop element, coupled to a surface of the flap 26, as shown in FIG. 1.

The front assembly 12 further includes an upwardly-extending flap 36 coupled to the jacket 24 on the body side 22, and a fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 38, coupled to the upper portion of the jacket 24 on the body side 22. The flap 36 defines a surface 36 a, and a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 36 b, is coupled to the distal end portion of the surface 36 a. The hook element 36 b is adapted to be removably coupled to the loop element 38 to thereby removably couple the flap 36 to the jacket 24 and cover, and/or secure in place, at least a portion of the loop 19 d of the cord 19, under conditions to be described below.

As shown in FIG. 3B, an internal region 40 is defined by the jacket 24, and an opening 42 is formed in the lower end of the jacket 24, via which access to the internal region 40 is permitted. An armor plate 44 is disposed in the region 40, and defines a vertical or height dimension 44 a and a horizontal or width dimension 44 b that is generally perpendicular to the dimension 44 a. In an exemplary embodiment, the armor plate 44 is, includes, and/or is a part of, an enhanced small arms protective insert (ESAPI) and/or XSAPI. In several exemplary embodiments, the armor plate 44 is substantially similar to, in whole or in part, and/or includes components of, one or more armor plates, insert assemblies, armor elements, and/or insert elements disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/450,221, filed on Jun. 9, 2006; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/586,170, filed on Oct. 25, 2006; and (3) U.S. application Ser. No. 11/771,621, filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In several exemplary embodiments, the armor plate 44 meets at least the Type IV ballistic performance requirement as described in NIJ-Standard-0101.04.

A flap 45 defining a surface 45 a and including a fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 45 b, coupled to the surface 45 a, is coupled to the internal surface of the jacket 24 defined by the region 40 and proximate the exterior side 20. From its coupling to the interior surface of the jacket 24, the flap 45 extends in a direction opposing an arrow 46, then wraps around the right side of the armor plate 44 (as viewed in FIG. 3B), and then extends over the armor plate 44 in the direction indicated by the arrow 46. A flap 48 defining a surface 48 a and including a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 48 b, coupled to the surface 48 a, is also coupled to the internal surface of the jacket 24 defined by the region 40 and proximate the exterior side 20. The flap 48 further defines a surface 48 c, to which a fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 48 d, is coupled. From its coupling to the interior surface of the jacket 24, the flap 48 extends in a direction opposing an arrow 50, then wraps around the left side of the armor plate 44 (as viewed in FIG. 3B), and then extends over the armor plate 44 in the direction indicated by the arrow 50, which direction is generally opposite the direction indicated by the arrow 46. The hook element 48 b is removably coupled to the loop element 45 b, thereby removably coupling the flap 48 to the flap 45. As a result, the flaps 45 and 48 extend over the armor plate 44, and a gap is defined between the corresponding wrapped or curved portions of the flaps 45 and 48, which gap is sized to correspond to the width dimension 44 b of the armor plate 44. As a result, the armor plate 44 is secured within the region 40 of the jacket 24, and centered in a side-to-side direction, as viewed in FIG. 3B.

In several exemplary embodiments, the width dimension 44 b of the armor plate 44 is varied, and the flaps 45 and 48 accommodate the variation in the width dimension 44 b. More particularly, if the width dimension 44 b of the armor plate 44 is decreased, the flaps 45 and 48 extend over the armor plate 44, and overlap, to a greater degree, and the size of the gap defined between the corresponding wrapped or curved portions of the flaps 45 and 48 decreases to correspond to the decrease in the width dimension 44 b. As a result, the armor plate 44 continues to be secured within the region 40 of the jacket 24, and centered in a side-to-side direction as viewed in FIG. 3B, notwithstanding the decrease in the width dimension 44 b. If the width dimension 44 b of the armor plate 44 is increased, the flaps 45 and 48 extend over the armor plate 44, and overlap, to a lesser degree, and the size of the gap defined between the corresponding wrapped or curved portions of the flaps 45 and 48 increases to correspond to the increase in the width dimension 44 b. As a result, the armor plate 44 continues to be secured within the region 40 of the jacket 24, and centered in a side-to-side direction as viewed in FIG. 3B, notwithstanding the increase in the width dimension 44 b.

A flap 52 defining a surface 52 a and including a fastening element, such as Velcro hook element 52 b, coupled to the surface 52 a, is also coupled to the internal surface of the jacket 24 defined by the region 40 and proximate the exterior side 20. From its coupling to the interior surface of the jacket 24, the flap 52 extends in a direction opposing an arrow 54, then wraps around the bottom end of the armor plate 44 (as viewed in FIG. 3B), and then extends over the armor plate 44 in the direction indicated by the arrow 54, which direction is generally perpendicular to each of the respective directions indicated by the arrows 46 and 50. The hook element 52 b is removably coupled to the loop element 48 d, thereby removably coupling the flap 52 to the flap 48. As a result, a gap is defined between the upper interior surface of the jacket 24 defined by the region 40 and the wrapped or curved portion of the flap 52, which gap is sized to correspond to the height dimension 44 a of the armor plate 44. As a result, the armor plate 44 is secured within the region 40 of the jacket 24, and positionally biased in an upward direction, as viewed in FIG. 3B.

In several exemplary embodiments, the height dimension 44 a of the armor plate 44 is varied, and the flap 52 accommodates the variation in the height dimension 44 a. More particularly, if the height dimension 44 a of the armor plate 44 is decreased, the flap 52 extends over the armor plate 44 to a greater degree, and the size of the gap defined between the wrapped or curved portion of the flap 52 and the upper internal surface of the jacket 24 defined by the region 40 decreases to correspond to the decrease in the height dimension 44 a. As a result, the armor plate 44 continues to be secured within the region 40 of the jacket 24, and positionally biased in an upward direction as viewed in FIG. 3B, notwithstanding the decrease in the height dimension 44 a. If the height dimension 44 a of the armor plate 44 is increased, the flap 52 extends over the armor plate 44 to a lesser degree, and the size of the gap defined between the wrapped or curved portion of the flap 52 and the upper internal surface of the jacket 24 defined by the region 40 increases to correspond to the increase in the height dimension 44 a. As a result, the armor plate 44 continues to be secured within the region 40 of the jacket 24, and positionally biased in an upward direction as viewed in FIG. 3B, notwithstanding the increase in the height dimension 44 a.

In an exemplary embodiment, in view of the foregoing, it is clear that the carrier 10 is scalable in that, for example, at least the front assembly 12 is configured to accommodate a wide range of sizes of armor plates.

A textile or fabric layer 56 is disposed in the region 40 of the jacket 24, and is positioned between the flap 52 and the interior surface of the jacket 24 defined by the region 40 and proximate the body side 22. The fabric layer 56 is disposed between the armor plate 44 and the body side 22. The fabric layer 56 contacts the armor plate 44 and the interior surface of the jacket defined by the region 40 and proximate the body side 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric layer 56 is composed of Kevlar, titanium, high-modulus-polyethylene (HMPE) fiber, and/or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric layer 56 is composed of a plurality of fabric layers. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric layer 56 is substantially similar to, in whole or in part, and/or includes components of, textile or fabric layers disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/450,221, filed on Jun. 9, 2006; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/586,170, filed on Oct. 25, 2006; and (3) U.S. application Ser. No. 11/771,621, filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As noted above, the opening 42 is formed in, and runs along, the bottom end of the jacket 24, and permits access to the region 40 for, for example, installing the armor plate 44 within the region 40 in accordance with the foregoing, adjusting the armor plate 44, removing the armor plate 44 from the region 40, replacing the armor plate 44 with one or more other armor plates, disposing one or more additional armor plates in the region 40, installing the fabric layer 56, adjusting the fabric layer 56, replacing the fabric layer 56 with one or more other fabric layers, disposing one or more additional fabric layers in the region 40, etc. A fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 58, is coupled to, and runs along, the lower end portion of the jacket 24 on the body side 22. A flap 60 defining a surface 60 a and including a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 60 b, coupled to the surface 60 a, extends downward from lower end of the jacket 24 on the exterior side 20, wraps around the lower end of the jacket 24, and then extends upward on the body side 22 of the jacket 24, thereby covering the opening 42. Although not shown in FIG. 3B, the hook element 60 b is normally removably coupled to the loop element 58, thereby removably coupling the flap 60 to the body side 22 of the jacket 24, thereby securing the covering of the opening 42 by the flap 60.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B, the back assembly 14 defines an exterior side 62 and a body, or interior, side 64, and includes a jacket 66. An internal region 68 is defined by the jacket 66, and an opening 70 is formed in the lower end of the jacket 66, via which access to the internal region 68 is permitted. An armor plate 72 is disposed in the region 68, and defines a vertical or height dimension 72 a and a horizontal or width dimension 72 b that is generally perpendicular to the dimension 72 a. In an exemplary embodiment, the armor plate 72 is, includes, and/or is a part of, an enhanced small arms protective insert (ESAPI) and/or XSAPI. In several exemplary embodiments, the armor plate 72 is substantially similar to, in whole or in part, and/or includes components of, one or more armor plates, insert assemblies, armor elements, and/or insert elements disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/450,221, filed on Jun. 9, 2006; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/586,170, filed on Oct. 25, 2006; and (3) U.S. application Ser. No. 11/771,621, filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In several exemplary embodiments, the armor plate 72 meets at least the Type IV ballistic performance requirement as described in NIJ-Standard-0101.04.

A flap 74 defining a surface 74 a and including a fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 74 b, coupled to the surface 74 a, is coupled to the internal surface of the jacket 66 defined by the region 68 and proximate the exterior side 62. From its coupling to the interior surface of the jacket 66, the flap 74 extends in a direction opposing an arrow 76, then wraps around the right side of the armor plate 72 (as viewed in FIG. 4A), and then extends over the armor plate 72 in the direction indicated by the arrow 76. A flap 78 defining a surface 78 a and including a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 78 b, coupled to the surface 78 a, is also coupled to the internal surface of the jacket 66 defined by the region 68 and proximate the exterior side 62. The flap 78 further defines a surface 78 c, to which a fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 78 d, is coupled. From its coupling to the interior surface of the jacket 66, the flap 78 extends in a direction opposing an arrow 80, then wraps around the left side of the armor plate 72 (as viewed in FIG. 4A), and then extends over the armor plate 72 in the direction indicated by the arrow 80, which direction is generally opposite the direction indicated by the arrow 76. The hook element 78 b is removably coupled to the loop element 74 b, thereby removably coupling the flap 78 to the flap 74. As a result, the flaps 74 and 78 extend over the armor plate 72, and a gap is defined between the corresponding wrapped or curved portions of the flaps 74 and 78, which gap is sized to correspond to the width dimension 72 b of the armor plate 72. As a result, the armor plate 72 is secured within the region 68 of the jacket 66, and centered in a side-to-side direction, as viewed in FIG. 4A.

In several exemplary embodiments, the width dimension 72 b of the armor plate 72 is varied, and the flaps 74 and 78 accommodate the variation in the width dimension 72 b. More particularly, if the width dimension 72 b of the armor plate 72 is decreased, the flaps 74 and 78 extend over the armor plate 72, and overlap, to a greater degree, and the size of the gap defined between the corresponding wrapped or curved portions of the flaps 74 and 78 decreases to correspond to the decrease in the width dimension 72 b. As a result, the armor plate 72 continues to be secured within the region 68 of the jacket 66, and centered in a side-to-side direction as viewed in FIG. 4A, notwithstanding the decrease in the width dimension 72 b. If the width dimension 72 b of the armor plate 72 is increased, the flaps 74 and 78 extend over the armor plate 72, and overlap, to a lesser degree, and the size of the gap defined between the corresponding wrapped or curved portions of the flaps 74 and 78 increases to correspond to the increase in the width dimension 72 b. As a result, the armor plate 72 continues to be secured within the region 68 of the jacket 66, and centered in a side-to-side direction as viewed in FIG. 4A, notwithstanding the increase in the width dimension 72 b.

A flap 82 defining a surface 82 a and including a fastening element, such as Velcro hook element 82 b, coupled to the surface 82 a, is also coupled to the internal surface of the jacket 66 defined by the region 68 and proximate the exterior side 62. From its coupling to the interior surface of the jacket 66, the flap 82 extends in a direction opposing an arrow 84, then wraps around the bottom end of the armor plate 72 (as viewed in FIG. 4A), and then extends over the armor plate 72 in the direction indicated by the arrow 84, which direction is generally perpendicular to each of the respective directions indicated by the arrows 76 and 80. The hook element 82 b is removably coupled to the loop element 78 d, thereby removably coupling the flap 82 to the flap 78. As a result, a gap is defined between the upper interior surface of the jacket 66 defined by the region 68 and the wrapped or curved portion of the flap 82, which gap is sized to correspond to the height dimension 72 a of the armor plate 72. As a result, the armor plate 72 is secured within the region 68 of the jacket 66, and positionally biased in an upward direction, as viewed in FIG. 4A.

In several exemplary embodiments, the height dimension 72 a of the armor plate 72 is varied, and the flap 82 accommodates the variation in the height dimension 72 a. More particularly, if the height dimension 72 a of the armor plate 72 is decreased, the flap 82 extends over the armor plate 72 to a greater degree, and the size of the gap defined between the wrapped or curved portion of the flap 82 and the upper internal surface of the jacket 66 defined by the region 68 decreases to correspond to the decrease in the height dimension 72 a. As a result, the armor plate 72 continues to be secured within the region 68 of the jacket 66, and positionally biased in an upward direction as viewed in FIG. 4A, notwithstanding the decrease in the height dimension 72 a. If the height dimension 72 a of the armor plate 72 is increased, the flap 82 extends over the armor plate 72 to a lesser degree, and the size of the gap defined between the wrapped or curved portion of the flap 82 and the upper internal surface of the jacket 66 defined by the region 68 increases to correspond to the increase in the height dimension 72 a. As a result, the armor plate 72 continues to be secured within the region 68 of the jacket 66, and positionally biased in an upward direction as viewed in FIG. 4A, notwithstanding the increase in the height dimension 72 a.

In an exemplary embodiment, in view of the foregoing, it is clear that the carrier 10 is scalable in that, for example, at least the back assembly 14 is configured to accommodate a wide range of sizes of armor plates.

A plate insert 86 is disposed in the region 68 of the jacket 66, and is positioned between the flap 82 and the interior surface of the jacket 66 defined by the region 68 and proximate the body side 64. The plate insert 86 is disposed between the armor plate 72 and the body side 64. The plate insert 86 contacts the armor plate 72. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate insert 86 is, or includes, a nylon insert. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate insert 86 is in the form of a flexible sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate insert 86 is in the form of a flexible plate.

A textile or fabric layer 88 is disposed in the region 68 of the jacket 66, and is positioned between the plate insert 86 and the interior surface of the jacket 66 defined by the region 68 and proximate the body side 64. The fabric layer 88 is disposed between the armor plate insert 86 and the body side 64. The fabric layer 88 contacts the plate insert 86 and the interior surface of the jacket 66 defined by the region 68 and proximate the body side 64. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric layer 88 is composed of Kevlar, titanium, high-modulus-polyethylene (HMPE) fiber, and/or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric layer 88 includes a rayon jacket in which one or more textile or fabric layers are disposed. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric layer 88 is composed of a plurality of fabric layers. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric layer 88 is substantially similar to, in whole or in part, and/or includes components of, textile or fabric layers disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/450,221, filed on Jun. 9, 2006; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/586,170, filed on Oct. 25, 2006; and (3) U.S. application Ser. No. 11/771,621, filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As noted above, the opening 70 is formed in, and runs along, the bottom end of the jacket 66, and permits access to the region 68 for, for example, installing the armor plate 72 within the region 68 in accordance with the foregoing, adjusting the armor plate 72, removing the armor plate 72 from the region 68, replacing the armor plate 72 with one or more other armor plates, disposing one or more additional armor plates in the region 68, installing the plate insert 86, adjusting the plate insert 86, replacing the plate insert 86 with one or more other plate inserts, disposing one or more additional plate inserts in the region 68, installing the fabric layer 88 within the region 68 in accordance with the foregoing, adjusting the fabric layer 88, removing the fabric layer 88 from the region 68, replacing the fabric layer 88 with one or more other fabric layers, disposing one or more additional fabric layers in the region 68, etc. A fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 88 a, is coupled to, and runs along, the lower end portion of the jacket 66 on the body side 64. A flap 89 b defining a surface 89 ba and including a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 89 bb, coupled to the surface 89 ba, extends downward from lower end of the jacket 66 on the exterior side 62, wraps around the lower end of the jacket 66, and then extends upward on the body side 64 of the jacket 66, thereby covering the opening 70. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, the hook element 89 bb is normally removably coupled to the loop element 89 a, thereby removably coupling the flap 89 b to the body side 64 of the jacket 66, thereby securing the covering of the opening 70 by the flap 89 b.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a fabric or textile panel 90 extends horizontally across the jacket 66 on the side 62, and is coupled to the jacket 66 on either side thereof, thereby defining a space (not shown) between the panel 90 and the jacket 66. A downwardly-extending flap 92 extends from the lower end portion of the panel 90, and defines a surface 92 a, and includes snap fasteners 92 b and 92 c (the snap fastener 92 c is depicted in FIG. 6C) coupled thereto at its distal end portion, and further includes a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 92 d, coupled to the surface 92 a. An upwardly-extending flap 94 extends from the lower end portion of the jacket 66, and defines a surface 94 a, and includes snap fasteners 94 b and 94 c (the snap fastener 94 c is depicted in FIG. 6C) coupled thereto at its proximal end portion, and further includes a fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 94 d, coupled to the surface 94 a.

A vertically-extending strip 96 is coupled to jacket 66 along its vertical centerline and on the exterior side 62. Vertically-spaced holes 98 a, 98 b, 98 c, 98 d, 98 e and 98 f are formed in the strip 96, and a plurality of loops 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e and 100 f are coupled to the jacket 66, extending through the holes 98 a, 98 b, 98 c, 98 d, 98 e and 98 f, respectively, and away from the jacket 66. A generally L-shaped sleeve 102, which includes a horizontally-extending portion 103 and a vertically-extending portion 104, is coupled to the jacket 66 on the exterior side 62, with an end of the portion 103 being positioned at or near the bottom end portion of the jacket 66 and proximate the loop 100 f, and with the portion 104 being positioned on the left side of the jacket 66, as viewed in FIG. 4B. A fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 105, is coupled to the upper end portion of the jacket 66 on the exterior side 62. The flap 94 extends upward and between a portion of the strip 96 and the flap 92, which extends downwards and covers at least respective portions of the strip 96 and the flap 94. The snap fasteners 92 b and 92 c of the flap 92 are removably coupled to the snap fasteners 94 b and 94 c, respectively, of the flap 94, and the hook element 92 d of the flap 92 is removably coupled to the loop element 94 d of the flap 94, thereby removably coupling the flap 92 to the flap 94 and covering at least respective portions of the strip 96, the holes 98 a, 98 b, 98 c, 98 d, 98 e and 98 f, and the loops 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e and 100 f.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B and 3C, a drag handle assembly 106 is coupled to the upper portion of the jacket 66 on the exterior side 62, and includes handle straps 106 a and 106 b, corresponding ends of which are coupled to the jacket 66 on the exterior side 62, and a sleeve 106 c extending between, and coupled to, the respective ends of the handle straps 106 a and 106 b opposing the respective ends thereof coupled to the jacket 66. A support 106 d is disposed within the sleeve 106 c. In several exemplary embodiments, the support 106 d is, or includes, a rod, a tubular member, and/or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the support 106 d is, or includes, a carbon fiber rod. In an exemplary embodiment, the support 106 d is, or includes, a PVC pipe. A fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 106 e (FIG. 4E), is coupled to the side of the exterior of the sleeve 106 c that faces the jacket 66.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4C, the hook element 106 e is removably coupled to the loop element 105, thereby removably coupling the sleeve 106 c, and thus the support 106 d, to the jacket 66 of the back assembly 14. As a result, the sleeve 106 c and the support 106 d of the handle assembly 106 are secured to the jacket 66, reducing the risk that the handle assembly 106 will interfere with the normal operation of the carrier 10, and/or with an operator wearing the carrier 10 as a vest.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4D, the hook element 106 e is decoupled from the loop element 105, thereby decoupling the sleeve 106 c, and thus the support 106 d, from the jacket 66 of the back assembly 14. As a result, a gap is defined between the sleeve 106 c and the jacket 66, which gap permits a hand or other article to be positioned therein to facilitate the grasping of, or latching to, the sleeve 106 c and thus the support 106 d. When the gap is defined, if necessary, the support 106 d is used as a drag handle, and the operator wearing the carrier 10, or only the carrier 10 itself, is dragged by the handle assembly 106. The support 106 d strengthens the handle assembly 106, enabling the handle assembly 106 to withstand the loading applied thereto when the operator wearing the carrier 10, or only the carrier 10 itself, is dragged by the handle assembly 106.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F, the left side assembly 16 includes a shoulder strap 108 and a side portion 110 coupled thereto. The shoulder strap 108 includes an end portion 108 a having a snap-buckle receiver 108 b coupled thereto, an end portion 108 c that is coupled to the side portion 110, and an end portion 108 d having a hole 108 e formed therethrough. A middle portion 108 f extends between the end portion 108 d and the end portion 108 a, and defines an internal passage 108 g through which at least a portion of the cord 19 is adapted to extend, under conditions to be described below. A pad 108 h is wrapped around the middle portion 108 f of the shoulder strap 108. In an exemplary embodiment, anti-slip material is coupled to the middle portion 108 f. In an exemplary embodiment, anti-slip material is coupled to the middle portion 108 f and is positioned between the end 108 a and the pad 108 h. An end portion 108 fa of the middle portion 108 f extends through a ring 108 i, and folds back onto itself. A fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 108 j, is coupled to a surface 108 faa defined by the end portion 108 fa, and a fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 108 k, is also coupled to the surface 108 faa. The hook element 108 j is removably coupled to the loop element 108 k, thereby removably coupling the surface 108 faa of the end portion 108 fa to itself. The length of extension of the middle portion 108 f between the end portion 108 d and the end portion 108 a, and thus the length of the shoulder strap 108, is adjusted by decoupling the hook element 108 j from the loop element 108 k, adjusting the degree to which the end portion 108 fa extends through the ring 108 i, and then again removably coupling the hook element 108 j to the loop element 108 k.

The side portion 110 of the left side assembly 16 includes an end portion 112, an end portion 114, and a middle portion 116 extending therebetween. The end portion 112 is adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly 12, as will be described below, and includes flaps 118 and 120, which share a pivot axis 122. The flap 120 defines a surface 120 a to which a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 120 b, is coupled, and further defines a surface 120 c, to which a fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 120 d, is coupled. A stiffening strip 123 is inserted in a region defined within the side portion 110, extending along the top of the side portion 110, as viewed in FIG. 5A. In an exemplary embodiment, the strip 123 is composed of a plastic material.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more armor plates are inserted in regions defined within the side portion 110, and/or are coupled to the side portion 110, with each of such armor plates being, in several exemplary embodiments, an enhanced small arms protective insert (ESAPI) and/or XSAPI, and/or substantially similar to, in whole or in part, and/or including components of, one or more armor plates, insert assemblies, armor elements, and/or insert elements disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/450,221, filed on Jun. 9, 2006; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/586,170, filed on Oct. 25, 2006; and (3) U.S. application Ser. No. 11/771,621, filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The end portion 114 of the side portion 110 includes a vertically-extending strip 124, and a plurality of tabs 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 d and 126 e coupled thereto. At least a portion of each of the tabs 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 d and 126 e is folded back over onto itself, thereby forming a loop portion on its left side, as viewed in FIG. 5B. Holes 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, 128 d and 128 e are formed through the strip 124 and the tabs 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 d and 126 e, respectively. A plurality of tabs 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d and 130 e extend from the right end of the middle portion 116 of the side portion 110, as viewed in FIG. 5B. The tabs 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d and 130 e are vertically aligned with the tabs 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 d and 126 e, respectively. At least a portion of each of the tabs 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d and 130 e is folded back over onto itself, thereby forming a loop portion on its right side, as viewed in FIG. 5B. A lace assembly 132 couples the tabs 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 d and 126 e to the tabs 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d and 130 e, respectively. More particularly, the lace assembly 132 includes a line 132 a having opposing end portions 132 aa and 132 ab, and a locking element 132 b coupled to the opposing end portions 132 aa and 132 ab. The line 132 a is interlockingly laced through the respective loop portions of the tabs 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 d, 126 e, 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d and 130 e, so that the end portions 132 aa and 132 ab are proximate the tabs 126 e and 130 e. The locking element 132 b locks the position of a portion of the end portion 132 aa relative to a corresponding portion of the end portion 132 ab, and vice versa, thereby preventing or at least resisting movement of the line 132 a through the locking element 132 b. The locking element 132 b is adjustable, and its locking feature is releasable to selectively permit movement of the line 132 a through the locking element 132 b to tighten or loosen the lacing of the line 132 a. In an exemplary embodiment, the line 132 a is a dynamic line. In an exemplary embodiment, the line 132 a is a flexible line. A fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 134, is coupled to the middle portion 116 and is vertically aligned with the tabs 126 a and 130 a, as viewed in FIG. 5B. An anti-sag strap 136 defining a surface 136 a and including a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 136 b, coupled to the surface 136 a, is coupled to the tab 126 a. The hook element 136 b is adapted to be removably coupled to the loop element 134 to thereby removably couple the anti-sag strap 136 to the middle portion 116, under conditions to be described below. The hook element 136 b includes an extension tab 136 c, which extends from the distal end of the strap 136 and thus does not include a backing. The tab 136 c is adapted to resist any peeling of the strap 136 off of the middle portion 116 when the strap 136 is removably coupled to the middle portion 116, thereby facilitating keeping the strap 136 removably coupled to the middle portion 116.

The right side assembly 18 is substantially similar to the left side assembly 16; the right side assembly 18 and the left side assembly 16 are symmetric about a vertically-extending plane that is generally perpendicular to the front assembly 12 and the back assembly 14, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the right side assembly 18 includes components and couplings that are substantially identical to the above-described components and couplings of the left side assembly 16. Therefore, the right side assembly 18 will not be described in detail, and reference numerals used to refer to components of the right side assembly 18 that are substantially identical to the components of the left side assembly 16 will correspond to the reference numeral s used to refer to the components of the left side assembly 16, except that the reference numerals for the right side assembly 18 will be given a prime (') designation.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 5A and 5B, when the carrier 10 is an assembled condition, the front assembly 12 is removably coupled to each of the left side assembly 16 and the right side assembly 18. More particularly, the snap-buckle elements 30 a and 30 b are removably coupled to the snap-buckle receivers 108 b′ and 108 b, respectively, thereby removably coupling the shoulder strap 108′ of the right side assembly 18 to the front assembly 12, and removably coupling the shoulder strap 108 of the left side assembly 16 to the front assembly 12. The hook element 26 b is removably coupled to the loop element 32, thereby removably coupling the flap 26 to the jacket 24 and covering at least respective portions of the snap-buckle elements 30 a and 30 b, and the snap-buckle receivers 108 b′ and 108 b. The flap 120′ of the right side assembly 18 is disposed between the loop element 34 a and the flap 28 a of the front assembly 12, the hook element 120 b′ of the flap 120′ is removably coupled to the loop element 34 a, the hook element 28 ab of the flap 28 a is removably coupled to the loop element 120 d′ of the flap 120′, and the flap 118′ is disposed against the body side 22 of the jacket 24 so that the jacket 24 is disposed between the flaps 118′ and 120′ of the right side assembly 18. As a result, the side portion 110′ of the right side assembly 18 is removably coupled to the front assembly 12. Likewise, the flap 120 of the left side assembly 16 is disposed between the loop element 34 b and the flap 28 b of the front assembly 12, the hook element 120 b of the flap 120 of the left side assembly 16 is removably coupled to the loop element 34 b, the hook element 28 bb of the flap 28 b is removably coupled to the loop element 120 d of the flap 120, and the flap 118 of the left side assembly 16 is disposed against the body side 22 of the jacket 24 so that the jacket 24 is disposed between the flaps 118 and 120 of the left side assembly 16. As a result, the side portion 110 of the left side assembly 16 is removably coupled to the front assembly 12.

As noted above, the cord 19 extends through the internal passage 108 g of the middle portion 108 f of the shoulder strap 108 of the left side assembly 16. The hook element 36 b is removably coupled to the loop element 38, thereby removably coupling the flap 36 to the jacket 24 on the body side 22. At least a portion of the loop 19 d of the cord 19 is disposed between the flap 36 and the jacket 24 on the body side 22, with the flap 36 covering, and/or securing in place, at least a portion of the loop 19 d of the cord 19.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the carrier 10 is an assembled condition, the end portion 108 d′ of the shoulder strap 108′ of the right side assembly 18 overlaps the end portion 108 d of the shoulder strap 108 of the left side assembly 16, the hole 108 e of the shoulder strap 108 of the left side assembly 16 is axially aligned with the hole 108 e′ of the shoulder strap 108′ of the right side assembly 18, and the loop 100 a extends through the holes 108 e and 108 e′. The strip 124′ of the right side assembly 18 overlaps the strip 124 of the left side assembly 16. The tabs 126 a′, 126 b′, 126 c′, 126 d′ and 126 e′ of the right side assembly 18 overlap the tabs 126 a, 126 b, 126 c, 126 d and 126 e, respectively, of the left side assembly 16. The holes 128 a′, 128 b′, 128 c′, 128 d′ and 128 e′ of the right side assembly 18 are axially aligned with the holes 128 a, 128 b, 128 c, 128 d and 128 e, respectively, of the left side assembly 16. The loop 100 b extends through the axially-aligned holes 128 a′ and 128 a, the loop 100 c extends through the axially-aligned holes 128 b′ and 128 b, the loop 100 d extends through the axially-aligned holes 128 c′ and 128 c, the loop 100 e extends through the axially-aligned holes 128 d′ and 128 d, and the loop 100 f extends through the axially-aligned holes 128 e′ and 128 e. In an exemplary embodiment, instead of the foregoing, the shoulder strap 108 of the left side assembly 16 overlaps the shoulder strap 108′ of the right side assembly 18, and/or the strip 124 of the left side assembly 16 overlaps the strip 124′ of the right side assembly 124.

The cord 19 extends from the internal passage 108 g and through the loop 100 a so that the cord 19 is positioned between a portion of the loop 100 a and the end portion 108 d′ of the shoulder strap 108′ of the right side assembly 18. The cord 19 further extends through the loops 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e and 100 f so that the cord 19 is positioned between respective portions of the loops and the tabs 126 a′, 126 b′, 126 c′, 126 d′ and 126 e′. The cord 19 further extends from the loop 100 f and into the sleeve 102. As a result of the extension of the cord 19, the left side assembly 16 and the right side assembly 18 are each removably coupled to the back assembly 14. More particularly, as a result of the extension of the cord 19, the shoulder strap 108 of the left side assembly 16 is removably coupled to the back assembly 14, the shoulder strap 108′ of the right side assembly 18 is removably coupled to the back assembly 14, the side portion 110 of the left side assembly 16 is removably coupled to the back assembly 14, and the side portion 110′ of the right side assembly 18 is removably coupled to the back assembly 14. Moreover, the anti-sag strap 136 is removably coupled to the middle portion 116 of the side portion 110 of the left side assembly 16 via the removable coupling between the hook element 136 b and the loop element 134. Similarly, the anti-sag strap 136′ of the right side assembly 18 is removably coupled to the middle portion 116′ of the side portion 110′ of the right side assembly 18.

As shown in FIG. 6C, when the carrier 10 is an assembled condition, the end portions 108 d′ and 108 d of the shoulder straps 108′ and 108, respectively, of the side assemblies 16 and 18, respectively, and the loop 100 a, are covered by the panel 90, and thus are disposed between the jacket 66 and the panel 90. The flap 94 extends upwards, and the flap 92 extends downwards and covers at least a portion of the flap 94. The snap fasteners 92 b and 92 c of the flap 92 are removably coupled to the snap fasteners 94 b and 94 c, respectively, of the flap 94, and the hook element 92 d of the flap 92 is removably coupled to the loop element 94 d of the flap 94, thereby removably coupling the flap 92 to the flap 94 and covering at least respective portions of the strip 96, the holes 98 a, 98 b, 98 c, 98 d, 98 e and 98 f, the loops 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e and 100 f, the cord 19, the end portion 114 of the left side assembly 16, and the end portion 114′ of the right side assembly 18.

In an exemplary embodiment, in operation, the carrier 10 provides an armor system that protects against a wide variety of single and multi-hit threats of high and/or low velocities. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 10 provides protection against a threat having a threat level that is equal to or greater than the threat level of National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standard 0101.04 Level IV Protection, which is equivalent to the threat level of a .30 caliber bullet traveling at 878 m/s, or an M2 armor-piercing (AP) bullet traveling at 2880 ft/s. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 10 provides protection against a threat having a threat level that is equal to or greater than the threat level of NIJ Level III Protection, which is equivalent to the threat level of a 7.62 mm NATO bullet traveling at 847 m/s.

In an exemplary embodiment, in operation, the carrier 10 provides protection from blast threats including, but not limited to, shrapnel, fragmentation heat, overpressure, acceleration force and deceleration force. Moreover, the carrier 10 provides protection against deflection threats such as cut, stab and/or blunt attacks.

In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 10 is used during mounted operation, such as, for example, a transportation operation, during which the operator wearing the carrier 10 removes the armor plate 44 from the front assembly 12 by decoupling the flap 60 from the jacket 24 and removing the armor plate 44 from the region 40 via the opening 42, in accordance with the foregoing. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 10 is used during unmounted operation, such as, for example, an operation requiring foot travel, during which the operator wearing the carrier 10 inserts the armor plate 44 into the front assembly 12 by decoupling the flap 60 from the jacket 24, inserting the armor plate 44 into the region 40 via the opening 42, and removably coupling the flap 60 to the jacket 24, in accordance with the foregoing. In an exemplary embodiment, in view of the foregoing, it is clear that the carrier 10 is scalable in that, for example, at least the number of armor plates inserted in the carrier 10 can be varied based on, for example, the specific operation during which the carrier 10 is used. In an exemplary embodiment, in view of the foregoing, it is clear that the carrier 10 is scalable in that, for example, at least the insertion location or locations (front, back, left side, right side, etc.) of the armor plate or plates can be varied based on, for example, the specific operation during which the carrier 10 is used.

In an exemplary embodiment, the modular construction of the carrier 10 permits the selective disposal of one or more armor plates in one or more of the front assembly 12, the back assembly 14, and the side assemblies 16 and 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the modular construction of the carrier 10 permits the selective coupling of one or more armor plates to one or more of the front assembly 12, the back assembly 14, and the side assemblies 16 and 18.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7 with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B and 6C, the carrier 10 is placed in a front-opening configuration by decoupling the flap 28 a of the front assembly 12 from the flap 120′ of the right side assembly 18, decoupling the flap 120′ from the jacket 24 of the front assembly 12, decoupling the snap-buckle receiver 108 b′ from the snap-buckle element 30 a, and then separating the right side assembly 18 from the front assembly 12, thereby providing a gap between the right side assembly 18 and the front assembly 12 which is suitable for the removal of the carrier 10 from the operator. As a result, the removal of carrier 10 from the operator is greatly facilitated and there is no need to remove the carrier 10 from the operator by pulling the carrier 10 up over the head of the operator. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 10 is placed in a front-opening configuration by decoupling the left side assembly 16 from the front assembly 12 in a manner substantially similar to the above-described manner by which the right side assembly 18 is decoupled from the front assembly 12. In an exemplary embodiment, after placing the carrier 10 in the front-opening configuration, the operator puts on the carrier 10 in the same manner as if the operator was putting on a vest, and then the carrier 10 is placed in the closed configuration depicted in FIG. 6A by again removably coupling the right side assembly 18 to the front assembly 12 in accordance with the foregoing, and/or removably coupling the right side assembly 16 to the front assembly 12, in accordance with the foregoing. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 10 is a front opening plate carrier.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8 with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C and 7, after an operator has put on the carrier 10, the lace assembly 132 is adjusted to accommodate the body size of the operator by releasing the locking element 132 b and tightening and/or loosening the line 132. As a result of the lace assembly 132 being adjusted as desired, a dimension 138 between the tab 126 a and the tab 130 a is set. In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the carrier 10, the side portion 110 undergoes loading from, for example, the weight of the side portion 110, the coupling of components such as a firearm, one or more armor plates, or ammunition to the side portion 110, and/or any combination thereof, which loading causes the side portion 110 to begin to sag. However, the anti-sag strap 136, and its coupling to the middle portion 116 of the side portion 110, maintains the dimension 138 or at least resists the degree to which the dimension 138 varies, thereby resisting the degree to which the side portion 110 sags. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 8 for the purpose of example, if the strap 136′ of the right side assembly 18 is decoupled from the middle portion 116′ of the side portion 110′ of the right side assembly 18, then the dimension between the tab 126 a′ and the tab 130 a′ increases and the side portion 110′ of the right side assembly 18 sags to an appreciable degree. In an exemplary embodiment, the strip 123 of the left side assembly 16 also facilitates keeping any ammunition and armor plates coupled to the side portion 110 from sagging, while still allowing for movement because the strip 123 is not the full height of the side portion 110.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7 and 8, during operation, the carrier 10 undergoes loading from, for example, the weight of the armor plates 44 and/or 72, the weight of other components carried by the carrier 10, the weight of the carrier 10 itself, and/or any combination thereof. In response to this loading, the armor plate 72 applies point forces, or at least highly concentrated forces 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e and 140 f against the plate insert 86. In response, the plate insert 86 distributes the point forces 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e and 140 f, and thereby applies respective force distributions 142 a, 142 b, 142 c, 142 d, 142 e and 142 f against the back of the operator wearing the carrier 10, or, in other exemplary embodiments, against whatever object or objects the back assembly 14 contacts. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the point forces or highly concentrated forces 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e and 140 f are not applied directly against the operator wearing the carrier 10, thereby reducing the amount of discomfort experienced by the operator when wearing the carrier 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A and 9B, during operation, the operator wearing the carrier 10 desires to quickly release the carrier 10 from the body of the operator. That is, it is desired to quickly separate the carrier 10 from the operator wearing the carrier 10. To this end, as shown in FIG. 10A, the operator grabs the loop 19 d of the cord 19, which is secured in place between the flap 36 and the jacket 24 of the front assembly 12 on the body side 22, and quickly pulls the loop 19 d away from the internal passage 108 g defined by the shoulder strap 108 of the side assembly 16. In response to the movement of the cord 19 relative to the remainder of the carrier 10, the side assemblies 16 and 18 are each decoupled from the back assembly 14, thereby decoupling the front assembly 12 from the back assembly 14.

More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 100, in response to the movement of the loop 19 d of the cord 19 away from the internal passage 108 g of the shoulder strap 108, the end portion 19 b of the cord 19 travels downward through the portion 104 of the sleeve 102, then travels horizontally through the portion 103 of the sleeve 102, and then exits the sleeve 102, as viewed in FIG. 10B. The end portion 19 b of the cord 19 then travels through and out of the loops 100 f, 100 e, 100 d, 100 c, 100 b and 100 e, as shown in FIG. 100. As a result, since the cord 19 no longer extends through any of the loops 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e and 100 f of the back assembly 14, the side portion 110 of the left side assembly 16 is decoupled from the back assembly 14. Moreover, since the cord 19 no longer extends through the loop 100 a, the shoulder strap 108 is decoupled from the back assembly 14. Therefore, the left side assembly 16 is decoupled from the back assembly 14. Similarly, the side portion 110′ of the right side assembly 18 is decoupled from the back assembly 14, and the shoulder strap 108′ of the right side assembly 18 is decoupled from the back assembly 14. Therefore, the right side assembly 18 is decoupled from the back assembly 14.

As shown in FIG. 10D, in an exemplary embodiment, after the side assemblies 16 and 18 are decoupled from the back assembly 14, the weight of the back assembly 14 causes it to immediately fall away from the side assemblies 16 and 18 and the body of the operator. Similarly, the weight of the front assembly 12 causes it to immediately fall away from the body of the operator. Since the side assemblies 16 and 18 are still coupled to the front assembly 12, the side assemblies fall along with the front assembly 12. As a result, the carrier 10 is quickly and safely released from the body of the operator. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 10 is a releasable plate carrier.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11 with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 100 and 10D, a side pouch assembly is generally referred to by the reference numeral 144 and includes a jacket 146 having a closed bottom end 146 a, a top end 146 b, and an opening 146 c formed in the top end 146 b. An internal region 147 is defined by the jacket 146. The side pouch assembly 144 defines an exterior side 148 and a body, or interior, side 150. A vertically-extending flap 152 is coupled to the jacket 146 on the inside surface thereof on the body side 150. The flap 152 defines a surface 152 a, and a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 152 b, is coupled to the surface 152 a. A flap 154 extends upward from the jacket 146 on the exterior side 148, the flap 154 defining a surface 154 a and including a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 154 b, coupled to the surface 154 a. A flap 156 extends downward from the jacket 146 on the exterior side 148, the flap 156 defining a surface 156 a and including a fastening element, such as a Velcro hook element 156 b, coupled to the surface 156 b. An armor plate 158 is disposed in the region 147 and is adapted to be inserted into the region 147 via the opening 146 c. In an exemplary embodiment, the armor plate 158 is, includes, and/or is a part of, an enhanced small arms protective insert (ESAPI) and/or XSAPI. In several exemplary embodiments, the armor plate 158 is substantially similar to, in whole or in part, and/or includes components of, one or more armor plates, insert assemblies, armor elements, and/or insert elements disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/450,221, filed on Jun. 9, 2006; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/586,170, filed on Oct. 25, 2006; and (3) U.S. application Ser. No. 11/771,621, filed on Jun. 29, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In several exemplary embodiments, the armor plate 158 meets at least the Type IV ballistic performance requirement as described in NIJ-Standard-0101.04. In an exemplary embodiment, to assemble the side pouch assembly 144, the armor plate 158 is inserted into the region 147 via the opening 146 c, and the flap 152 is folded over the top of the armor plate 158 and disposed in the region 147, with the flap 152 being disposed between the armor plate 158 and the inside surface of the jacket 146 on the exterior side 148. In an exemplary embodiment, the hook element 152 b is coupled to a Velcro hoop element coupled to the inside surface of the jacket 146 on the exterior side. In an exemplary embodiment, the flap 152 is removably coupled to one or more straps and/or flaps disposed in the region 147 and coupled to the jacket 146, and/or to the jacket 146 directly. In an exemplary embodiment, the degree to which the flap 152 extends over the armor plate 158 varies in response to any variance in the height of the armor plate 158, with the degree of extension increasing if the height of the armor plate 158 decreases, and vice versa. In an exemplary embodiment, in view of the foregoing, it is clear that the carrier 10 is scalable in that, for example, at least the side pouch assembly 144 is configured to accommodate a wide range of sizes of armor plates.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12 with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 100, 10D and 11, an inside surface 116 a is defined by the middle portion 116 of the side portion 110 of the left side assembly 16, and a fastening element, such as a Velcro loop element 116 b, is coupled to the surface 116 a. The side pouch assembly 144 is removably coupled to the middle portion 116 by positioning the jacket 146 on the side of the middle portion 116 opposing the surface 116 a, folding the flap 156 over the bottom edge of the middle portion 116 and back up so that the hook element 156 b is removably coupled to the loop element 116 b, and folding the flap 154 over the top edge of the middle portion 116 and back down so that the hook element 154 b is removably coupled to the loop element 116 b. Since the flaps 154 and 156 are removably coupled to the inside surface 116 a, and thus are disposed between the body of the operator and the middle portion 116 when the operator wears the carrier 10, the flaps 154 and 156 are not permitted to catch on any external object during operation.

In an exemplary embodiment, instead of, or in addition to removably coupling the side pouch assembly 144 to the left side assembly 16, one or more other side pouch assemblies that are substantially similar to the side pouch assembly 144 are removably coupled to the right side assembly 18 and/or the left side assembly 16. In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to the side pouch assembly 144, one or more other side pouch assemblies are removably coupled to the left side assembly 16 and/or the right side assembly 18, which assemblies are wider and/or taller than the assembly 144 to accommodate larger-sized armor plates. In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to the side pouch assembly 144, one or more other side pouch assemblies are removably coupled to the left side assembly 16 and/or the right side assembly 18, which assemblies are less wide and/or shorter than the assembly 144 to accommodate smaller-sized armor plates.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-12, a carrier is generally referred to by the reference numeral 160 and includes the front assembly 12, a back assembly 162, a left side assembly 164, a right side assembly 166, and the cord 19. The front assembly 12 is removably coupled to each of the side assemblies 164 and 166 in a manner substantially identical to the above-described manner by which the front assembly 12 is removably coupled to each of the side assemblies 16 and 18 in the carrier 10. The side assemblies 164 and 166 are removably coupled to the back assembly 162 in a manner substantially identical to the above-described manner by which the side assemblies 16 and 18 are removably coupled to the back assembly 14 in the carrier 10.

The back assembly 162 of the carrier 160 includes a jacket 168, which is substantially similar to the jacket 66 of the back assembly 14 of the carrier 10, except that the shape of the jacket 168 is substantially similar to the shape of the jacket 24 of the front assembly 12. Moreover, the back assembly 162 of the carrier 160 includes an armor plate, plate insert, and textile or fabric layer (not shown) disposed within the jacket 168 and substantially similar to the armor plate 72, the plate insert 86, and the fabric layer 88, respectively, of the back assembly 14 of the carrier 10, except that the respective shapes of the armor plate, plate insert, and fabric layer disposed in the jacket 168 of the back assembly 162 are similar to the respective shapes of the jacket 168 of the back assembly 162, the jacket 24 of the front assembly 12, the armor plate 44 of the front assembly 12, and the fabric layer 56 of the front assembly 12. In several exemplary embodiments, the armor plate disposed in the jacket 168 of the back assembly 162 is substantially identical to the armor plate 72 of the front assembly 12. In several exemplary embodiments, the fabric layer disposed in the jacket 168 of the back assembly 162 is substantially identical to the fabric layer 88 of the front assembly 12. The remainder of the back assembly 162 of the carrier 160 is substantially identical to the back assembly 14 of the carrier 10 and therefore the remainder of the back assembly 162 will not be described in further detail.

The left side assembly 164 includes a shoulder strap 170, which, in turn, includes an end portion 170 a having a snap-buckle receiver 170 b coupled thereto, an end portion 170 c, and an end portion 170 d having a hole 170 e formed therethrough. A middle portion 170 f extends between the end portion 170 d and the end portion 170 a, and defines an internal passage 170 g through which at least a portion of the cord 19 is adapted to extend. A pad 170 h is wrapped around the middle portion 170 f of the shoulder strap 170. In an exemplary embodiment, anti-slip material is coupled to the middle portion 170 f. In an exemplary embodiment, anti-slip material is coupled to the middle portion 170 f and is positioned between the end 170 a and the pad 170 h. The middle portion 170 f includes a loop portion 170 i, which extends through a ring 170 j coupled to the end portion 170 d. A buckle 170 k defines the loop portion 170 i, and is adapted to be slidably adjusted, towards or away from the ring 170 j, so that the maximum inside diameter of the loop portion 170 i is adjusted and thus the length of the middle portion 170 f is adjusted, thereby adjusting the overall length of the shoulder strap 170. A free end 170 l of the loop portion 170 i extends from the buckle 170 k. In an exemplary embodiment, when the carrier 160 is an assembled condition in which, inter alia, the side assemblies 164 and 166 are removably coupled to the back assembly 162, the length of the middle portion 170 f and thus the overall length of the shoulder strap 170 is adjusted by sliding the buckle 170 i towards or away from the ring 170 j; the carrier 160 does not need to be disassembled in whole or in part to effect this adjustment. In an exemplary embodiment, when the carrier 160 is an assembled condition in which, inter alia, the side assemblies 164 and 166 are removably coupled to the back assembly 162, the length of the middle portion 170 f and thus the overall length of the shoulder strap 170 is decreased by pulling the free end 170 l and thus causing the buckle 170 k to slide towards the ring 170 j; the carrier 160 does not need to be disassembled in whole or in part to effect this decrease in the length of the shoulder strap 170. In an exemplary embodiment, when the carrier 160 is an assembled condition in which, inter alia, the side assemblies 164 and 166 are removably coupled to the back assembly 162, the length of the middle portion 170 f and thus the overall length of the shoulder strap 170 is increased by sliding the buckle 170 k away from the ring 170 j; the carrier 160 does not need to be disassembled in whole or in part to effect this increase in the length of the shoulder strap 170. The remainder of the left side assembly 164 is substantially similar to the left side assembly 16 of the carrier 10 and therefore the remainder of the left side assembly 164 will not be described in further detail.

The right side assembly 166 is substantially similar to the left side assembly 164; the right side assembly 166 and the left side assembly 164 are symmetric about a vertically-extending plane that is generally perpendicular to the front assembly 12 and the back assembly 162, as viewed in FIG. 13, and the right side assembly 166 includes components and couplings that are substantially identical to the above-described components and couplings of the left side assembly 164. Therefore, the right side assembly 166 will not be described in further detail.

In an exemplary embodiment, with the exception of the manner by which the respective lengths of the shoulder straps of the side assemblies 164 and 166 are adjusted, the placement of the carrier 160 in its assembled condition is substantially similar to the placement of the carrier 10 in its assembled condition and therefore the placement of the carrier 160 in its assembled condition will not be described in further detail.

In an exemplary embodiment, the operation of the carrier 160 is substantially similar to the operation of the carrier 10 and therefore the operation of the carrier 160 will not be described in further detail.

In several exemplary embodiments, instead of, or in addition to the Velcro hook and loop portions described above, other fastening elements, fasteners, and/or fastening systems are included in the carrier 10 and/or one or more of the assemblies 12, 14, 16 and 18, such as, for example, clips, snap buckles, other types of buckles, tape, snap fasteners, other types of fasteners, and/or any combination thereof, to thereby provide, for example, one or more of the removable couplings described above.

In several exemplary embodiments, the carrier 10 is a front opening releasable scalable plate carrier.

A carrier has been described that includes a front assembly; a back assembly adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly, wherein at least one of the front and back assemblies comprises a first armor plate; and a cord comprising a first position in which the front assembly is removably coupled to the back assembly; and a second position in which the front assembly is decoupled from the back assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier comprises first and second side assemblies; wherein, when the cord is in the first position, each of the first and second side assemblies is removably coupled to each of the front and back assemblies so that the front assembly is removably coupled to the back assembly; and wherein, when the cord is in the second position, each of the first and second side assemblies is decoupled from at least one of the front and back assemblies so that the front assembly is decoupled from the back assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the back assembly comprises a first loop; wherein the first and second side assemblies comprise first and second shoulder straps, respectively, each of the first and second shoulder straps comprising a first end portion at which the strap is adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly; a second end portion comprising a hole formed therethrough; and wherein, when the cord is in the first position, the first loop extends through each of the respective holes of the first and second shoulder straps, and the cord extends through the first loop. In an exemplary embodiment, the back assembly further comprises a second loop; wherein the first and second side assemblies comprise first and second side portions, respectively, each of the first and second side portions comprising a first end portion at which the side portion is adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly; and a second end portion comprising a first tab and a hole formed through the first tab; and wherein, when the cord is in the first position, the second loop extends through each of the respective holes of the first and second side portions, and the cord extends through the second loop. In an exemplary embodiment, the back assembly comprises first and second loops; wherein the first side assembly comprises a first side portion, and a first shoulder strap coupled to the first side portion; wherein the second side assembly comprises a second side portion, and a second shoulder strap coupled to the second side portion; wherein each of the first and second side portions comprises a first end portion at which the side portion is adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly; and a second end portion comprising a first tab and a hole formed through the first tab; wherein each of the first and second shoulder straps comprises a first end portion at which the strap is adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly; a second end portion comprising a hole formed therethrough; and a third end portion at which the strap is coupled to the corresponding side portion; and wherein, when the cord is in the first position, the first loop extends through each of the respective holes of the first and second shoulder straps, the cord extends through the first loop, the second loop extends through each of the respective holes of the first and second side portions, and the cord extends through the second loop. In an exemplary embodiment, the cord comprises a first end portion, a second end portion opposing the first end portion, and a middle portion extending between the first and second end portions; wherein the back assembly defines one or more sleeves; wherein at least one of the first and second shoulder straps defines a passage; and wherein, when the cord is in the first position, at least a portion of the second end portion of the cord is disposed in the one or more sleeves, and at least a portion of the middle portion of the cord extends through the passage defined by the at least one of the first and second shoulder straps. In an exemplary embodiment, the front assembly comprises a jacket defining a region in which the first armor plate is adapted to be disposed; wherein the carrier further comprises a closed configuration in which the cord is in the first position, the respective first end portions of the first and second side portions of the first and second side assemblies are removably coupled to the jacket of the front assembly, and the respective second end portions of the first and second shoulder straps of the first and second side assemblies are removably coupled to the jacket of the front assembly; and a front-opening configuration in which the cord is in the first position, the first end portion of the side portion of one of the first and second side assemblies is decoupled from the jacket of the front assembly, and the second end portion of the shoulder strap of the one of the first and second side assemblies is decoupled from the jacket of the front assembly, thereby providing a gap between the front assembly and the one of the first and second side assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, the back assembly comprises a first jacket defining a first region in which the first armor plate is disposed, the first region defining an upper internal surface of the first jacket; a first flap extending within the first region and over the first armor plate in a first direction; a second flap removably coupled to first flap and extending over the first armor plate in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction; and a third flap removably coupled to at least one of the first and second flaps and extending over the first armor plate in a third direction that is generally perpendicular to each of the first and second directions; wherein the removably coupling between the first and second flaps defines a first gap between corresponding portions of the first and second flaps that is sized to correspond to a first dimension of the first armor plate; and wherein the removably coupling between the third flap and the at least one of the first and second flaps defines a second gap between the upper internal surface of the first jacket and the third flap that is sized to correspond to a second dimension of the first armor plate, the second dimension being generally perpendicular to the first dimension; wherein the front assembly comprises a second jacket defining a second region in which a second armor plate is adapted to be disposed, the second region defining an upper internal surface of the second jacket; a fourth flap extending within the second region and adapted to extend over the second armor plate in a fourth direction; a fifth flap adapted to be removably coupled to fourth flap and extend over the second armor plate in a fifth direction that is generally opposite the fourth direction; and a sixth flap adapted to be removably coupled to at least one of the fourth and fifth flaps and extend over the second armor plate in a sixth direction that is generally perpendicular to each of the fourth and fifth directions; and wherein the carrier further comprises a first configuration in which the first armor plate is disposed in the first region and the second armor plate is not disposed in the second region; and a second configuration in which the first and second armor plates are disposed in the first and second regions, respectively; the fourth flap extends over the second armor plate in the fourth direction; the fifth flap is removably coupled to the fourth flap and extends over the second armor plate in the fifth direction that is generally opposite the fourth direction; the sixth flap is removably coupled to the at least one of the fourth and fifth flaps and extends over the second armor plate in the sixth direction that is generally perpendicular to each of the fourth and fifth directions; wherein the removably coupling between the fourth and fifth flaps defines a third gap between corresponding portions of the fourth and fifth flaps that is sized to correspond to a first dimension of the second armor plate; and wherein the removably coupling between the sixth flap and the at least one of the fourth and fifth flaps defines a fourth gap between the upper internal surface of the second jacket and the sixth flap that is sized to correspond to a second dimension of the second armor plate, the second dimension of the second armor plate being generally perpendicular to the first dimension of the second armor plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier is adapted to be worn by an operator; wherein the back assembly comprises a jacket defining a region in which the first armor plate is disposed, and the back assembly defines an exterior side and an interior side, the interior side adapted to be proximate the operator when the operator wears the carrier; wherein the carrier further comprises a handle assembly coupled to the back assembly, the handle assembly comprising first and second handle straps, each of the first and second handle straps comprising first and second end portions, the first end portion being coupled to the jacket of the back assembly; a sleeve extending between, and coupled to, the respective second end portions of the first and second handle straps, the sleeve defining a passage; a support disposed in the sleeve; a first configuration in which the sleeve is removably coupled to the back assembly while the respective first end portions of the first and second handle straps are coupled to the jacket of the back assembly; and a second configuration in which the sleeve is decoupled from the back assembly while the respective first end portions of the first and second handle straps are coupled to the jacket of the back assembly, thereby permitting a gap to be defined between the sleeve and the jacket of the back assembly; a plate insert disposed in the region defined by the jacket of the back assembly, the plate insert being positioned between the first armor plate and the interior side of the back assembly; wherein, when the carrier is worn by the operator, the plate insert distributes point forces applied by the first armor plate against the operator. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second side portions of the first and second side assemblies, respectively, comprises a middle portion extending between the first and second end portions; wherein the second end portion of each of the first and second side assemblies further comprises a first plurality of tabs comprising respective holes formed therethrough, wherein the first tab is one of the tabs in the first plurality of tabs; a second plurality of tabs; a lace assembly coupling the first plurality of tabs to the second plurality of tabs; an anti-sag strap coupled to the first tab and adapted to extend across the lace assembly and be removably coupled to the middle portion; and wherein the carrier comprises a configuration in which a dimension is defined across the lace assembly and between the first and second pluralities of tabs, the anti-sag strap extends across the lace assembly and is removably coupled to the middle portion; and the removable coupling between the anti-sag strap and the middle portion resists any variation in the dimension between the first and second pluralities of tabs.

A method has been described that includes providing a carrier comprising front and back assemblies, at least one of the front and back assemblies comprising an armor plate; removably coupling the front assembly to the back assembly, comprising placing a cord in a first position relative to the front and back assemblies; and decoupling the front assembly from the back assembly, comprising moving the cord from the first position to a second position relative to the front and back assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier comprises first and second side assemblies comprising first and second shoulder straps, respectively, and first and second side portions coupled thereto, respectively; and wherein removably coupling the front assembly to the back assembly further comprises removably coupling the first and second side portions to the back assembly; removably coupling the first and second side portions to the front assembly; removably coupling the first and second shoulder straps to the back assembly; and removably coupling the first and second shoulder straps to the front assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, decoupling the front assembly from the back assembly further comprises decoupling the first and second side portions from the back assembly in response to moving the cord from the first position to the second position relative to the front and back assemblies; and decoupling the first and second shoulder straps from the back assembly in response to moving the cord from the first position to the second position relative to the front and back assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises placing the carrier in a front-opening configuration in which a gap between the front assembly and one of the first and second side assemblies is provided, comprising decoupling the shoulder strap of the one of the first and second side assemblies from the front assembly; and decoupling the side portion of the one of the first and second side assemblies from the front assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the back assembly comprises a jacket defining a region in which the armor plate is disposed, the region defining an upper internal surface of the jacket; and first, second and third flaps extending within the region; wherein the armor plate defines a first dimension and a second dimension generally perpendicular thereto; and wherein the method further comprises securing the armor plate within the region, comprising extending the first and second flaps over the first armor plate; removably coupling the second flap to the first flap to thereby define a first gap between corresponding portions of the first and second flaps that is sized to correspond to the first dimension of the armor plate; extending the third flap over the armor plate; and removably coupling the third flap to at least one of the first and second flaps to thereby define a second gap between the upper internal surface of the jacket and the third flap that is sized to correspond to the second dimension of the armor plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises removably coupling a handle assembly to the back assembly, the handle assembly comprising a support; and selectively providing a gap between the back assembly and the support of the handle assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises loading the carrier, wherein the armor plate applies one or more point forces in response to loading the carrier; and distributing the one or more point forces applied in response to loading the carrier. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises loading the carrier; and resisting the degree to which the first and second side portions of the first and second side assemblies, respectively, sag in response to loading the carrier.

A system has been described that includes means for providing a carrier comprising front and back assemblies, at least one of the front and back assemblies comprising an armor plate; means for removably coupling the front assembly to the back assembly, comprising means for placing a cord in a first position relative to the front and back assemblies; and means for decoupling the front assembly from the back assembly, comprising means for moving the cord from the first position to a second position relative to the front and back assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier further comprises first and second side assemblies comprising first and second shoulder straps, respectively, and first and second side portions coupled thereto, respectively; and wherein means for removably coupling the front assembly to the back assembly further comprises means for removably coupling the first and second side portions to the back assembly; means for removably coupling the first and second side portions to the front assembly; means for removably coupling the first and second shoulder straps to the back assembly; and means for removably coupling the first and second shoulder straps to the front assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, means for decoupling the front assembly from the back assembly further comprises means for decoupling the first and second side portions from the back assembly in response to moving the cord from the first position to the second position relative to the front and back assemblies; and means for decoupling the first and second shoulder straps from the back assembly in response to moving the cord from the first position to the second position relative to the front and back assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for placing the carrier in a front-opening configuration in which a gap between the front assembly and one of the first and second side assemblies is provided, comprising means for decoupling the shoulder strap of the one of the first and second side assemblies from the front assembly; and means for decoupling the side portion of the one of the first and second side assemblies from the front assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the back assembly comprises a jacket defining a region in which the armor plate is disposed, the region defining an upper internal surface of the jacket; and first, second and third flaps extending within the region; wherein the armor plate defines a first dimension and a second dimension generally perpendicular thereto; and wherein the system further comprises means for securing the armor plate within the region, comprising means for extending the first and second flaps over the first armor plate; means for removably coupling the second flap to the first flap to thereby define a first gap between corresponding portions of the first and second flaps that is sized to correspond to the first dimension of the armor plate; means for extending the third flap over the armor plate; and means for removably coupling the third flap to at least one of the first and second flaps to thereby define a second gap between the upper internal surface of the jacket and the third flap that is sized to correspond to the second dimension of the armor plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for removably coupling a handle assembly to the back assembly, the handle assembly comprising a support; and means for selectively providing a gap between the back assembly and the support of the handle assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for loading the carrier, wherein the armor plate applies one or more point forces in response to loading the carrier; and means for distributing the one or more point forces applied in response to loading the carrier. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for loading the carrier; and means for resisting the degree to which the first and second side portions of the first and second side assemblies, respectively, sag in response to loading the carrier.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, instead of the shoulder strap 108 of the left side assembly 16, the cord 19 may be disposed in an internal passage defined by the shoulder strap 108′ of the right side assembly 18.

In several exemplary embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

In several exemplary embodiments, any one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be composed of any one or more of the above-described materials, and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, any one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be in the form of any one or more of the above-described forms, and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, any one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may have any one or more of the above-described surface structures, and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, any one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may have any one or more of the above-described shapes, and/or any combination thereof.

Any spatial references such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “left,” “right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.

In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several exemplary embodiments, the steps, processes and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures.

In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.

Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. 

1. A carrier comprising: a front assembly; a back assembly adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly, wherein at least one of the front and back assemblies comprises a first armor plate; and a cord comprising: a first position in which the front assembly is removably coupled to the back assembly; and a second position in which the front assembly is decoupled from the back assembly.
 2. The carrier of claim 1 further comprising: first and second side assemblies; wherein, when the cord is in the first position, each of the first and second side assemblies is removably coupled to each of the front and back assemblies so that the front assembly is removably coupled to the back assembly; and wherein, when the cord is in the second position, each of the first and second side assemblies is decoupled from at least one of the front and back assemblies so that the front assembly is decoupled from the back assembly.
 3. The carrier of claim 2 wherein the back assembly comprises a first loop; wherein the first and second side assemblies comprise first and second shoulder straps, respectively, each of the first and second shoulder straps comprising: a first end portion at which the strap is adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly; a second end portion comprising a hole formed therethrough; and wherein, when the cord is in the first position, the first loop extends through each of the respective holes of the first and second shoulder straps, and the cord extends through the first loop.
 4. The carrier of claim 2 wherein the back assembly further comprises a second loop; wherein the first and second side assemblies comprise first and second side portions, respectively, each of the first and second side portions comprising: a first end portion at which the side portion is adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly; and a second end portion comprising a first tab and a hole formed through the first tab; and wherein, when the cord is in the first position, the second loop extends through each of the respective holes of the first and second side portions, and the cord extends through the second loop.
 5. The carrier of claim 2 wherein the back assembly comprises first and second loops; wherein the first side assembly comprises: a first side portion, and a first shoulder strap coupled to the first side portion; wherein the second side assembly comprises: a second side portion, and a second shoulder strap coupled to the second side portion; wherein each of the first and second side portions comprises: a first end portion at which the side portion is adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly; and a second end portion comprising a first tab and a hole formed through the first tab; wherein each of the first and second shoulder straps comprises: a first end portion at which the strap is adapted to be removably coupled to the front assembly; a second end portion comprising a hole formed therethrough; and a third end portion at which the strap is coupled to the corresponding side portion; and wherein, when the cord is in the first position, the first loop extends through each of the respective holes of the first and second shoulder straps, the cord extends through the first loop, the second loop extends through each of the respective holes of the first and second side portions, and the cord extends through the second loop.
 6. The carrier of claim 5 wherein the cord comprises a first end portion, a second end portion opposing the first end portion, and a middle portion extending between the first and second end portions; wherein the back assembly defines one or more sleeves; wherein at least one of the first and second shoulder straps defines a passage; and wherein, when the cord is in the first position, at least a portion of the second end portion of the cord is disposed in the one or more sleeves, and at least a portion of the middle portion of the cord extends through the passage defined by the at least one of the first and second shoulder straps.
 7. The carrier of claim 6 wherein the front assembly comprises: a jacket defining a region in which the first armor plate is adapted to be disposed; wherein the carrier further comprises: a closed configuration in which: the cord is in the first position, the respective first end portions of the first and second side portions of the first and second side assemblies are removably coupled to the jacket of the front assembly, and the respective second end portions of the first and second shoulder straps of the first and second side assemblies are removably coupled to the jacket of the front assembly; and a front-opening configuration in which: the cord is in the first position, the first end portion of the side portion of one of the first and second side assemblies is decoupled from the jacket of the front assembly, and the second end portion of the shoulder strap of the one of the first and second side assemblies is decoupled from the jacket of the front assembly, thereby providing a gap between the front assembly and the one of the first and second side assemblies.
 8. The carrier of claim 6 wherein the back assembly comprises: a first jacket defining a first region in which the first armor plate is disposed, the first region defining an upper internal surface of the first jacket; a first flap extending within the first region and over the first armor plate in a first direction; a second flap removably coupled to first flap and extending over the first armor plate in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction; and a third flap removably coupled to at least one of the first and second flaps and extending over the first armor plate in a third direction that is generally perpendicular to each of the first and second directions; wherein the removably coupling between the first and second flaps defines a first gap between corresponding portions of the first and second flaps that is sized to correspond to a first dimension of the first armor plate; and wherein the removably coupling between the third flap and the at least one of the first and second flaps defines a second gap between the upper internal surface of the first jacket and the third flap that is sized to correspond to a second dimension of the first armor plate, the second dimension being generally perpendicular to the first dimension; wherein the front assembly comprises: a second jacket defining a second region in which a second armor plate is adapted to be disposed, the second region defining an upper internal surface of the second jacket; a fourth flap extending within the second region and adapted to extend over the second armor plate in a fourth direction; a fifth flap adapted to be removably coupled to fourth flap and extend over the second armor plate in a fifth direction that is generally opposite the fourth direction; and a sixth flap adapted to be removably coupled to at least one of the fourth and fifth flaps and extend over the second armor plate in a sixth direction that is generally perpendicular to each of the fourth and fifth directions; and wherein the carrier further comprises: a first configuration in which the first armor plate is disposed in the first region and the second armor plate is not disposed in the second region; and a second configuration in which: the first and second armor plates are disposed in the first and second regions, respectively; the fourth flap extends over the second armor plate in the fourth direction; the fifth flap is removably coupled to the fourth flap and extends over the second armor plate in the fifth direction that is generally opposite the fourth direction; the sixth flap is removably coupled to the at least one of the fourth and fifth flaps and extends over the second armor plate in the sixth direction that is generally perpendicular to each of the fourth and fifth directions; wherein the removably coupling between the fourth and fifth flaps defines a third gap between corresponding portions of the fourth and fifth flaps that is sized to correspond to a first dimension of the second armor plate; and wherein the removably coupling between the sixth flap and the at least one of the fourth and fifth flaps defines a fourth gap between the upper internal surface of the second jacket and the sixth flap that is sized to correspond to a second dimension of the second armor plate, the second dimension of the second armor plate being generally perpendicular to the first dimension of the second armor plate.
 9. The carrier of claim 6 wherein the carrier is adapted to be worn by an operator; wherein the back assembly comprises a jacket defining a region in which the first armor plate is disposed, and the back assembly defines an exterior side and an interior side, the interior side adapted to be proximate the operator when the operator wears the carrier; wherein the carrier further comprises: a handle assembly coupled to the back assembly, the handle assembly comprising: first and second handle straps, each of the first and second handle straps comprising first and second end portions, the first end portion being coupled to the jacket of the back assembly; a sleeve extending between, and coupled to, the respective second end portions of the first and second handle straps, the sleeve defining a passage; a support disposed in the sleeve; a first configuration in which the sleeve is removably coupled to the back assembly while the respective first end portions of the first and second handle straps are coupled to the jacket of the back assembly; and a second configuration in which the sleeve is decoupled from the back assembly while the respective first end portions of the first and second handle straps are coupled to the jacket of the back assembly, thereby permitting a gap to be defined between the sleeve and the jacket of the back assembly; a plate insert disposed in the region defined by the jacket of the back assembly, the plate insert being positioned between the first armor plate and the interior side of the back assembly; wherein, when the carrier is worn by the operator, the plate insert distributes point forces applied by the first armor plate against the operator.
 10. The carrier of claim 6 wherein each of the first and second side portions of the first and second side assemblies, respectively, comprises a middle portion extending between the first and second end portions; wherein the second end portion of each of the first and second side assemblies further comprises: a first plurality of tabs comprising respective holes formed therethrough, wherein the first tab is one of the tabs in the first plurality of tabs; a second plurality of tabs; a lace assembly coupling the first plurality of tabs to the second plurality of tabs; an anti-sag strap coupled to the first tab and adapted to extend across the lace assembly and be removably coupled to the middle portion; and wherein the carrier comprises a configuration in which: a dimension is defined across the lace assembly and between the first and second pluralities of tabs, the anti-sag strap extends across the lace assembly and is removably coupled to the middle portion; and the removable coupling between the anti-sag strap and the middle portion resists any variation in the dimension between the first and second pluralities of tabs.
 11. A method comprising: providing a carrier comprising front and back assemblies, at least one of the front and back assemblies comprising an armor plate; removably coupling the front assembly to the back assembly, comprising placing a cord in a first position relative to the front and back assemblies; and decoupling the front assembly from the back assembly, comprising moving the cord from the first position to a second position relative to the front and back assemblies.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the carrier further comprises first and second side assemblies comprising first and second shoulder straps, respectively, and first and second side portions coupled thereto, respectively; and wherein removably coupling the front assembly to the back assembly further comprises: removably coupling the first and second side portions to the back assembly; removably coupling the first and second side portions to the front assembly; removably coupling the first and second shoulder straps to the back assembly; and removably coupling the first and second shoulder straps to the front assembly.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein decoupling the front assembly from the back assembly further comprises: decoupling the first and second side portions from the back assembly in response to moving the cord from the first position to the second position relative to the front and back assemblies; and decoupling the first and second shoulder straps from the back assembly in response to moving the cord from the first position to the second position relative to the front and back assemblies.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: placing the carrier in a front-opening configuration in which a gap between the front assembly and one of the first and second side assemblies is provided, comprising: decoupling the shoulder strap of the one of the first and second side assemblies from the front assembly; and decoupling the side portion of the one of the first and second side assemblies from the front assembly.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the back assembly comprises: a jacket defining a region in which the armor plate is disposed, the region defining an upper internal surface of the jacket; and first, second and third flaps extending within the region; wherein the armor plate defines a first dimension and a second dimension generally perpendicular thereto; and wherein the method further comprises: securing the armor plate within the region, comprising: extending the first and second flaps over the first armor plate; removably coupling the second flap to the first flap to thereby define a first gap between corresponding portions of the first and second flaps that is sized to correspond to the first dimension of the armor plate; extending the third flap over the armor plate; and removably coupling the third flap to at least one of the first and second flaps to thereby define a second gap between the upper internal surface of the jacket and the third flap that is sized to correspond to the second dimension of the armor plate.
 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising: removably coupling a handle assembly to the back assembly, the handle assembly comprising a support; and selectively providing a gap between the back assembly and the support of the handle assembly.
 17. The method of claim 13 further comprising: loading the carrier, wherein the armor plate applies one or more point forces in response to loading the carrier; and distributing the one or more point forces applied in response to loading the carrier.
 18. The method of claim 13 further comprising: loading the carrier; and resisting the degree to which the first and second side portions of the first and second side assemblies, respectively, sag in response to loading the carrier.
 19. A system comprising: means for providing a carrier comprising front and back assemblies, at least one of the front and back assemblies comprising an armor plate; means for removably coupling the front assembly to the back assembly, comprising means for placing a cord in a first position relative to the front and back assemblies; and means for decoupling the front assembly from the back assembly, comprising means for moving the cord from the first position to a second position relative to the front and back assemblies.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the carrier further comprises first and second side assemblies comprising first and second shoulder straps, respectively, and first and second side portions coupled thereto, respectively; and wherein means for removably coupling the front assembly to the back assembly further comprises: means for removably coupling the first and second side portions to the back assembly; means for removably coupling the first and second side portions to the front assembly; means for removably coupling the first and second shoulder straps to the back assembly; and means for removably coupling the first and second shoulder straps to the front assembly.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein means for decoupling the front assembly from the back assembly further comprises: means for decoupling the first and second side portions from the back assembly in response to moving the cord from the first position to the second position relative to the front and back assemblies; and means for decoupling the first and second shoulder straps from the back assembly in response to moving the cord from the first position to the second position relative to the front and back assemblies.
 22. The system of claim 21 further comprising: means for placing the carrier in a front-opening configuration in which a gap between the front assembly and one of the first and second side assemblies is provided, comprising: means for decoupling the shoulder strap of the one of the first and second side assemblies from the front assembly; and means for decoupling the side portion of the one of the first and second side assemblies from the front assembly.
 23. The system of claim 21 wherein the back assembly comprises: a jacket defining a region in which the armor plate is disposed, the region defining an upper internal surface of the jacket; and first, second and third flaps extending within the region; wherein the armor plate defines a first dimension and a second dimension generally perpendicular thereto; and wherein the system further comprises: means for securing the armor plate within the region, comprising: means for extending the first and second flaps over the first armor plate; means for removably coupling the second flap to the first flap to thereby define a first gap between corresponding portions of the first and second flaps that is sized to correspond to the first dimension of the armor plate; means for extending the third flap over the armor plate; and means for removably coupling the third flap to at least one of the first and second flaps to thereby define a second gap between the upper internal surface of the jacket and the third flap that is sized to correspond to the second dimension of the armor plate.
 24. The system of claim 21 further comprising: means for removably coupling a handle assembly to the back assembly, the handle assembly comprising a support; and means for selectively providing a gap between the back assembly and the support of the handle assembly.
 25. The system of claim 21 further comprising: means for loading the carrier, wherein the armor plate applies one or more point forces in response to loading the carrier; and means for distributing the one or more point forces applied in response to loading the carrier.
 26. The system of claim 21 further comprising: means for loading the carrier; and means for resisting the degree to which the first and second side portions of the first and second side assemblies, respectively, sag in response to loading the carrier. 